Community welcomes new chief of public safety

LAKE SHASTINA – The Lake Shastina Community Services District (LSCSD) has added a new employee to its ranks who will manage both the fire and police force for the district.

Lake Shastina Chief of Public Safety Mike Wilson's contract was approved at the December LSCSD meeting, stated a press release issued by the LSCSD. Wilson assumed duties on Jan. 2.

Wilson is replacing retired police chief Rick Alves and interim fire chief Kent Cunningham. Alves, who retired at the end of 2012, had been with the department for the past 11 years. Cunningham accepted the interim position while the LSCSD was just beginning the search for the new permanent chief.

Wilson comes to Lake Shastina with 28 years of public safety experience, including 22 years in law enforcement and six years in firefighting. His most recent position was with the Marysville Police Department as police captain, second in command. He came to Marysville 10 years ago and rose up in the ranks – to sergeant in 2004, lieutenant in 2005 and captain in 2008.

Wilson's prior career background includes positions with the Gridley, Oroville and Placerville police departments as well as fire suppression and prevention assignments with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). He also has experience as a law enforcement instructor.

"It's a remarkable group of people who work for LSCSD and to be given the opportunity to become part of it is simply an honor," said Wilson. "Based on my background, I have looked at several locations while pursuing the next step in my career. I have applied for chief positions at several locations throughout the state. However, I never found any of them to be a perfect fit. Many of the opportunities I looked at offered more money and several were very nice places, but when I found the opportunity in Lake Shastina, I fell in love with it. Lake Shastina will be my home."

According to LSCSD General Manager John McCarthy, the recruitment process was a long one. He said the district received applications from numerous very qualified applicants from all over the country, but Wilson was the best fit.

"Wilson's reputation as a 'compassionate' captain is reflected in his many acts of kindness, ingenuity and community services while working in Marysville," stated the release.

When Wilson announced his resignation from the Marysville Police Department, the Appeal Democrat, Marysville's newspaper, published an article highlighting his acts of philanthropy and dedication to public service during his employment, and shared many stories of Wilson's outreach to local civic groups, schools and the homeless.Now that he is living and working in Lake Shastina, Wilson said, "I look forward to becoming part of the community."

He stated that he embraces new challenges and the opportunity to share his philosophy of "hands on" management and employee empowerment.

"I strongly believe that a successful organization learns from the past, continually assesses the present and pursues its vision," said Wilson.

He said one of his goals is to be an accessible leader, who not only maintains an open door policy to the members of the LSCSD but also maintains an open door policy for the community members of Lake Shastina.

One of his short term plans is to host a monthly "Coffee with the Chief" event one morning each month at the Public Safety Department. He explained that this will allow citizens to come and share their concerns, thoughts or ideas while enjoying a cup of coffee in an informal setting.

"For me, it's a great opportunity to keep an ear on the pulse of our community members," said Wilson. "I am committed to getting the public involved in taking responsibility for taking care of their neighborhoods in order to enhance the community's quality of life."